Surgical brace



E. L. JEWETT SURGICAL BRACE Jan. 15, 1952 2 SHEETS-SHEET 1 Filed May 5,1949 INVENTOR fuss/v5 L. Jan 77.

Jan. 15, 1952 JE'WETT 2,582,930

SURGICAL BRACE Filed"May 5, 1949 1 SHEETS-SHEET 2 INVENTOR. 50 5/ ZJewsrf.

" ATTORNEY Patented Jan. 15, 1952 suaorcar. nnaca' Eugene L..lewettfMaitland, Fla, assignor to Blair; Braces, Inc., Orlando, Fla., acorporation of Florida Application May 5, 1949. Serial No. 91,559

11 Claims.

The invention relates to surgical braces, more particularly a back braceembodying the threepoint leverage principle. The brace is especially(though not restrictively) intended for use in maintaining desireddegrees of hyperextension of the lower dorsal and'lumbar portions of thespine, following reduction of compression or wedged fractures ofone ormore of the vertebral bodies respective of whether the variances be inthe vertical dimension only, the side to side dimension only, or indiffering combinations of such and/or other dimensions.

Among the objects of the invention are reduction of weight and bulk ofbrace parts, provision of desired lumbar support without resort to'posterior rigid bars or pla-tes minimization of parts opaque to Xraysin the affected area, advantageous distribution of'pressure applied bythe support surfaces. readyfacility for putting on and taking off thebrace and conforming its fit to changes in bodily weight andproportions, and provision for freedom of bodily movement, particularlyin the regions of the groins-and armpits during-sitting and risingandin-the areas affected by breathing and the ingestion of food.

Further vohjects'include the designation of materials which areresistant to bodilyex'cretions and yet provide lightness of weighttogether with resilient rigidity of framework.

Still further objects will become apparent hereinbelow.

In the drawings (which are intended as diagrammatlc only. unlessotherwise apparent) Fig. 1 is a perspective of 'the right side and aportion of the front of a brace forminga presently preferred embodimentof the invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective of the left side and-a portion of the front ofthe brac of Fig. 1;

' Figs. 3-'5 respectively are rear,'fron't, and right side elevations ofthe brace of Fig. l;

Figs. 6-7 respectively are front and side views of the'more fully shownone of the two stemal pad support bars'appearing in Fig. 2, before the 2support bars appearing in Fig. 2, before the'flnal twisting and bendingin its fabrication;

Figs. 12-13 respectively are front and side views of the bar of Figs.10-11 after final twisting and bending;

Referring to the drawings in detail:

The brace unitarily represented in Figs. l-5 comprises right and lefttorso side contacting pads I and 2, stemal and pubic pads 3 and l, arelatively flexible lumbar support pad 5, and substantiallynon-stretchable multi-apertured bands 6 and I. These bands arerespectively aflixed, at their left ends, to left side pad 2 by screws 8and 9 (Fig. 2) which penetrate a rigid plate (understood) which isinside and imparts rigidity to the forward portion of said pad, andthreaded at their right ends into tightening mechanisms I0 and I I (bestseen in Fig. 5). These multi-apertured bands and tightening mechanismsmay be those of the hose clamps of U. S. P. 1,397,508; 1,776,850;2,386,629; or 2,395,273; but for a detailed description of them andtheir functioning in the presently most preferred form of the bracereference should be made to the disclosure of the last cited patent,particularly its clamping band-2i, holding and tightenin screw 28. andthe parts associated with them, said members "2I and 28" of the patentbeing respectively the same as members 61 and I0II of the brace of Figs.1-5.

The tightening mechanisms Ill and II are fixedlv carried by lumbar bandanchors I2 and I3 (Figs. 1, 5) which are afllxed to right side pad I byscrews I4 and I5 penetrating a, rigid plate (understood) which is insideand imparts rigidity to the forward portion of said pad.

Inside of and substantially co-extensive with stemal and pubic pads 3and I are rigid plates (understood) which serve to impart rigidity tothem.

All four of said rigid plates respectively inside pads I-4 aredetachably but rigidly interconnected by resilient non-torso-contactingframework consisting of right and left'sternal support bars I6 and I1and right and left pubic support bars I8 and I9, which, through themedia of vertically alined screws series 20 (Figs. 1, 5), 2i (Fig. 2),22 (Figs. 1, 5), 23 (Fig. 2), and horizontally alined screws series24-41 (Figs. 1, 2, 4) are rigidly afllxed to, and in turn interconnectedby, said plates. Outwardly-from-the-torso facing surfaces of pads I-4consist of leather coverings, and inwardly, toward-the-torso ones ofplastic coverings, said coverings overlying the plates inside the pads.These leather and plastic coverings are united, as by stitching, alongthe edges of the rigid plates, though in the case of side pads |-2 thecovering fabrics continue rearwardly from the stitching at the rearedges of the plates (such stitching being depicted by dash lines 23 and29 in Figs. 1, 2, to now enclose cushioning (understood) rather thanrigid plates, and thus provide torso-side-contacting flaps 30 and 3|(Figs. 1, 2, 5)

Both vertical faces of the lumbar pad. comprise plastic compostion, e.g. with a relatively thin layer 01' cushioning enclosed between them,except that leather stripping 32 additionally is aflixed, as bystitching, to the posterior face to provide sleeves or channels 33 and34 for lumbar band members 6 and I.

In assembling the brace the relative elevation of the sternal pad isdetermined by selectively alining series 20 and 2| screw holes in stemalbars I6 and H with complementarily vertically spaced screw holes(understood) in the upper portions of the plates inside. pads and 2, andthen fastening the bars to the plates by screws inserted through thepairs of holes thus brought into alinement. Similarly, the relativeelevation of the pubic pad is determined by selectively alining series22 and 23 screw holes in pubic bars l8 and 19 with complementarllyvertically spaced screw holes (understood) in the lower portions of saidplates inside pads and 2, and again tastening bars to plates by screws,etc.

Setting of the relative side-to-side dimensions of the brace is done onthe same general principles. That is, selective alinement of series24-25 and/or series 26--2| screw holes in, respectively, the horizontalupper portions of sternal bars l6 and I1 and/or the horizontal lowerportions of pubic bars l8 and I9, ismade with complementrailyhorizontally spaced holes (understood) in the plates inside the sternaland/or pubic pads, and fastening through pairs of holes thus broughtinto alinement effected by screws as before.

It will be noted that the-aforesaid relative elevations and dimensionsoptionally can each be individually selected and set, independently ofany one or more of the others; also, that no varying of a front-to-reardimension is concomitantly necessary.

Equally independent is the similar setting of the relative elevations ofthe individual lumbar bands. That is, the height of lumbar band 6 willvary according as which of the vertically alined fastener screws passingthrough screw holes in, respectively, series 2| and 20 are used foraiflxation at its left end and of anchor |2 (with which its right end isconnected by tightening mechanism I0). Likewise, as regards the heightof lumbar band and selection of which of the vertically alined fastenerscrews passing through screw holes in, respectively, series 23 and 22,are to be used for aflixation of its left end and of anchor I3 (withwhich its right end is connected by tightening mechanism I I) Variationof the effective overall length of either or both lumbar bands may besimilarly independently determined, through the choosing of which of thehorizontal series of holes 35 in band 6 and (36 in band 1 (Fig. 2) areto be used in the afllxation of the bands to the plate inside pad 2 (e.g. as illustrated in the case of screws 8 and 9, in Fig. 2).Supplementarily, however, tightening mechanisms l0 and II may be usedfor further regulating, in as fine gradations as desired, said efiectivelength, via taking up or letting out on the right end portions of bands6 and 1 which run posteriorly from the points of their afllxation to theplate inside pad 2 and partly engird the torso side and rear untilgripped by tightening mechanisms l0 and II, respectively.

Absence of rigid supports oi substantial vertical extent in or inconjunction with the lumbar pad 8 is to be particularly noted, togetherwith the fact that no force other than that or the flexible bands 3 and1, operating through flexible lumbar pad 5, bears against the region ofthe back that overlies the creator spinae group of lumbar muscles.

A desired form-fitting degree of rearward tilt can be imparted tosternal pad 3 by fashioning its support bars i6 and I! in the mannerrepresented by Figs. 6-9. Thus, a piece of ductile strap metal havingtwo series of alined holes such as series 2| and 25 hereinabovedescribed, and having an elbow angle of, say, about -110 (or'approximately as shown in Fig. 6, for average cases) between therespective alinements, extended, oi. said series (such alinements beingshown in Fig. 6 as coinciding with the respective axes of thecorresponding portions 01' the piece of strap metal) can be twisted 90about the axis of the portion carryin the series 2| holes, besides beingbent (conveniently concomitantly) in the region of the elbow, to reducethe 105' angle to 90 as well as accomplish the further changes in frontview outline shown in Fig. 8 (as contrasted with that in Fig. 6) and inside view outline shown in Fig. 9 (as contrasted with that in Fig. 7).The result, when embodied in each of the stemal bars of the assembledbrace, is reflected in a desired degree of tilt oi the stemal pad 3 asexemplified in Figs. 1, 2, 5.

Applying a related procedure, represented by Figs. 1013, substantialclearance between pubic bars l8 and i9 and the wearer's groins duringbodily motion, e. g. sitting down or rising, can be insured.- Thus, apiece of ductile strap metal having two series of alined holes such asseries 23 and 21 hereinabove described, and having an elbow angle of 90between the respective alinements, extended, 01' said series (suchalinements being shown in Fig. 10 as coinciding with the respective axesof the corresponding portions of the piece of strap metal), and alsobeing upwardly bow-shaped in its mid-portion as designated by 31 in Fig.10, can be twisted 90 about the axis of the portion carrying the series23 holes, besides being bent (conveniently concomitantly) in the regionof the elbow, to accomplish the changes in front view outline shown inFig. 12 (as contrasted with that in Fig. 10) and in side view outlineshown in Fig. 13 (as contrasted with that in Fig. 11). The result, whenembodied in each 01 the pubic bars of the assembled brace, is reflectedin upwardly bow-shaped contours in the vicinity of the wearer's groins,as designated by 38 and 39 in. e. g., Figs. 1, 2, 4.

One of the particular advantages of the foregoing method of fabricatingthe sternal and pubic connector bars is that no edge-bending isrequired, but only flat-bending of a mid-portion oi the work, i. e.coupled with axial twisting of the vertical one of its two terminalportions.

Although the brace 01 this invention can be supplemented, if desired, byauxiliary supports such as shoulder or other straps (e. g. where thewearer particularly dislikes pressure on the symphysis pubis or lowerlumbar regions) or crutchlike appendages and/or a pelvic band annexed toits framework to prevent lateral motion or collapse of any part of thespine, the brace characteris'ticaily-derives essentially its 8014!support from self-cancellingpressure interaction of the five abovementioned support portions, 1. e.-the

'sternal, pubic,lumbar, and two-side pads. Since they- 'are allsubstantially vertically disposed H (except for slight components ofobliquity in'the f case of the first two), they'exertessentially-horizontal components. of pressure onlyL' This makes itespecially'desirable, in the interest otcomf'ort in wear", that theshapes and sizes of 'the pressive alined in mutually parallelfcenter-side" reiationship, with the areasof the faces of the rigidplate containing portions of each about equally divided, ahterio'rlyandposter'iorly of the midaxillary line. This conduces to a directcounterbalancing' of their pressures on the sides of the torso, fbesides helping to counteract rotative stresses. In addition, theverticalextent of each of said portions desirably may be at least about(better /3, still better the overall top-tobottom dimension'of thebrace, and the front-torear horizontal width, m'dway of said dimension,at least about /5 (better /4, still better $4,) such vertical extent(or, in actual measurement, e. g., at least about 1% (better 1%, stillbetter 2) inches).

Generally it will be found desirable to give each of the side padsenlarged front-to-rear breadth in the region of its m d-height, as wellas an overall area of at least about (better still be ter /z) that ofthe pubic pad.

For reasons analogous to those in the case of the side pads, thehorizontal extents of the rigid sternal and pubic torso contactingsupport portions (whether or not equal to each other) advantageously areeach at least. about (better ,5, still better the overall side-to-sidewidth of the brace, taken at a level midway therebe tween; and theirtop-to-bottom breadths, midway of said'width, advantageously are atleast about /7 (better still better /5) the overall top-to-bottomdimension of the brace.

Even if applied to the pubic support only, the preferred ranges andratios in the next preceding paragraph will be found useful, sincedesirability of distributing apads pressive contact over an ter stillbetter that of the'rigid pubc support pad, and the area of the lattergreater than that of the rigid portions of either side pad. as well.

In contradistinction to the four said members of the subject group offive pads, the ilfthor lumbar one advantageously has markedly lessrigidity, even though it nevertheless is called upon to counterbalancethe combined front-to-rear pressures of the sternal and pubic pads.Consequently, besides being located at least substantially entirelybetween the level of the mid-portion of the lower horizontal peripheryof the former and that of the mid-portion of the upper horizontalperiphery of the latter, it advantageously has a torso contacting areain excess of that of either of them (or, as well, horizontal andvertical dimensions each respectively in excess of those of either ofthem) In addition, as shown e. g. in Figs. 1, 2, 5, its lateral edgesnormally are insuch close proximity to the rear edges of posterior"flaps a and II that-they and it together furnish anapproiiimation of avery broad posterior half-belt.

1 The pliancy or fiexibilityof' the 'lumbarpad may well be about that ofthe-average soles of ladies leather-shoes. or of the walls of an averageleather brief case, or of ta'rpaulin; or the like,

:but the {flaps may-well-have substantially more flexibility than that.

"In general the sum of the areas of all'flve of the subject torsocontacting padglincludin'gm'ith the areas of the side padsthos'e oftheir respective-flaps) will advantageouslybe at least-abouttwo-thirdsas great as that of a rectangle bounded by sides equalrespectively to the overall topalso any discontinuities in rigid membersinside the pads.

With the breadths or widths of said members and their interconnectiveframework structure of the proportions above indicated, it becomesreadily 'possible'to give them correspondingly less thickness. E. g;-(assuming appropriate selection of materials from among those commonlyavailable) the thicknesses of said rigid members can be kept less thanabout A; (or, say, even 3!) inch. with the result that the overallthickness of substantially the whole of each torso contacting portioncan be less than, say, a out 1 5 (better still better inch. Qualitiesofstreamlinedness (so to speak) and nonbulki'ness thus will be enhanced.

' On this score it will be noted that in the Figs. 1-5 embodiment of theinventionall exposed (i. e. non-covered) rigid framework structure (ase.-g. of-metal) will be entirely out of contact with the torso duringnormal wear.

When a pair of lumbar bands are used they advantageously may be about V2to 1% inch in width inch having proved particularly "desirable from thestandpoint of optimum support combined with minimum interference withthe X-raying of an affected area) and spaced from each other a distanceat least aboutequel to such width; Also, as presently preferred,the'distance between the upper edge'of a toplumbar band and the loweredge of a bottom lumbar band will be about A to (better. the maximumdistance" between thev upper edge of the lumbar pad and its lower edge.

'Inaddition, just as symmetry is a preferred characteristic of the braceof the invention in respect of the front-to-rear plane passing throughits: vertical axis (as inspection of Figs. 1-5'wili have shown), so thelumbar band or bands pre- 'ferredly will be disposed atan elevationsuchas Let 'x' and y be the respective distances -taken on the .front ofthe torso but with the back in hyperexte'nsion. from the stemal notchtothe umbilicus (to give :2:) and from there to the bottom of thesymphysis pubis (to give 1/); Then make the overall top-to-bottomdimension of the braces plus 1:; in which case the'approximate locus,during wear, of the topmost int of the sternal pad will be brought toabout one inch (more or less) below the V-point of the stemal notch byfixing the horizontal axis (or midheight line) of the lumbar pad in thesame horizontal plane with that of the meeting point of :c and 11. Next,for the side-to-side dimensions, take the projected (taut-tape")distances crosswise of the torso between its side extremity points at,respectively, the level of the top point of a: and that of themid-height center point of the pubis bone. Finally, take a fairlyrepresentative center-side" to center-side measurement across the frontof the torso at any appropriate height, and let that measurement be theapproximate length of the lumbar band or bands. 1. e. from their anchorscrews in one side pad to those in the other.

Generally the stemal pad will contribute comparatively more support perunit of area than the other pads, i. e, acting in conjunction with thelumbar pad (which itself will tend to seek its own level during wear).In any case, however, (and despite the above described upwardlybow-shaped contours of the pubic bars l8 and I9) contacting of the upperthigh margins or groins by the bottom of the pubic pad during the motionof sitting down will be apt to cause a slight upward excursion of thebrace. This will ordinarily not be more than an inch or so however, andwill likely be found not only unobjectionable in itself, but actuallybeneficial, as helping to alleviate points of pressure between supportpads and body.

Even through the brace lends itself to easy installation and removalfrom the torso, hygienic fatcors as a rule will make it advisable thatunderwear (advantageously cotton) be worn between the brace pads and thebody. In fact, materials generally inert to perspiration, sebaceousproducts, etc. are preferably used in all the parts of the brace.

For the rigid parts of the brace aluminum a1- loys of the sort known as248T have proven especially satisfactory. That particular alloy isunderstood to be 93.4% aluminum, 4.5% copper, 1.5% magnesium, and 0.6%manganese. In formation as to its preparation, including suitable heattreatment etc., is contained in Federal Specification QQ-A-355a datedNovember 28, 1941.

Alternative choice of equivalent or substitute alloys, metals, or otherproducts will depend on characteristics of ductility, resilience,strength, weight, corrosion resistance. etc. E. g. at a sacrifice ofsusceptibility to being bent into optimum final body fit afterinstallation on the torso (whether e. g. by special techniques or merelyby self-molding in response to stresses during wear) stainless steelmight be used.

The ductile form of titanium may be found particularly advantageous, inview of its ready workability, high corrosion resistance, and excellentstrength-to-weight ratio (40% lighter than stainless steel yet having atensile strength upwards of 80,000 lbs./in. at room temperature).

Plastics of appropriate thermoplasticity for the heat of the body duringwear to induce a desired degree of self-molding (but without unwanteddistortion) also may be used. And material such as nyloninjection-molded from melt (e. g. in view of its low weight (density=about 1), high strength, inertness, etc.) similarly come intoconsideration, e. g. if reinforced with reticular fabric or network ofductile metal em- 8 bedded in them, and/or provided with rigidizingribs.

Stainless steel is presently preferred for the lumbar band or bands (ofwhich there usually are not over two), although for reasons aforesaidtitanium may be found especially suitable.

A material particularly adapted for serving the function of the leatherand plastic composition coverings referred to in the description ofFigs. 1-5 is the product (provided with a special protective coating orflock adapting it for personal wear next or near the skin) which isdescribed in U. S. P. 2,290,685.

Also of special utility for the same function is fabric such asdescribed in U. S. P. 2,210,774, as well as the leatherette material" ofExample II of U. S. P. 2,322,779. which is therein described as"remarkably resistant to perspiration."

If desired, corrosion and bodily excretion resistance can be supplied byinert metal coatings, e. g. thin layers of rare metal electrodepositedon aluminum alloy with known techniques, or by the use of stainlesssteel or rubber-surfaced aluminum alloys prepared, respectively, as inU. S. P. 2,171,040 or 2,320,999. Or any of a wide variety ofcommercially available leather, leatherlike or plastic coverings orcoatings may be found suitable.

Removable pad covers, to be slipped on or 01! during wear (and equippede. g. with zipper fasteners so disposed as to be insulated from the bodyby the brace parts) also may be provided in place of permanentlyadherent coatings or facings.

Generally speaking, the same plastics which are suitable as coveringsfor the rigid portions of the pads (including materials such as nylon)are also suitable for the lumbar pad, when molded in the form ofsemi-rigid sheets of appropriate thickness. And they characteristicallyundergo self-molding into conformity with the wearer's particular spinalcurvature, as a result of the constant pressure of the lumbar bands orband across the back.

As a cushioning filler for the lumbar pad and/ or side flaps (such as 30and 3|), cotton, felt,

feathers, or etc. can be used.

For rigid parts whose subjection to flexing stresses would besufliciently slight, certain categories of high strength-to-weightmaterials developed in comparatively recent research in aircraft or likefields may be considered. Cf. e. g. the multi-ply balsa wood coreproducts described in U. S. P. 2,414,125 (col. 5), the metal-facedsandwich material" with balsa-core" (i. e. Metalite") or thehoneycomb-cored material publicized in 19 Machine Design (March 1947) atpages 142-6, or ,the composite sheet metal product described in U. S. P.2,423,870.

Irrespective of the nature of the materials used, however, thecumulative effect of a number of design variations, minor in themselves,may lead to a considarble saving in weight, with consequent minimizationof any discomfort in wear. Thus, up to a certain point, increase in thenumber of apertures in a brace member (e. g. holes for screws, lacings,or other fasteners) reduces weight without sacrifice of strength inequal proportion (besides effecting a saving in the amount of alloy orother material used, a d Dl'oviding increased number of air vents forventilation). And diminution in the size of lumbar band adjustors ortightenin mechanisms such as Ill and H (i. e. even without making themor their keys separately portable) contributes its modicum of weightreduction. Likewise,las to the omission of accessories such as straps,belts, rigid lumbar support bars, and the like.

On the other hand, decreasing of weight should not be carried to thepoint of e. g. cutting down the support pads breadth of bearing surfacesto the point of impairing their performance of the function ofcounteracting any tendency of the brace to slide up and down or torotate on the trunk 01' the body.

Alternative devices for serving the purpose of the above described andpresently preferred forms of lumbar bands, tightening mechanisms andadjusters include, e. g. ordinary belts and buckles, bands withturnbuckle or right and left screw link means for adjusting them, complementary sliding segments (whether serrated or merely smooth surfaced)with set screw, clamp, toggle and cotter pin, or other means forsecuring them in fixed adjustment; substantial absence of stretchabilitybeing preferred in all cases, however.

Where the adjusters are operated by scre action it may be desired toprevent accidental or unwanted change in their adjustment by making themturn so hard as to be operable only by a special tool; or resort may behad to the common expedient of using two nuts in place of one, the outerone being a locking nut.

In the appended claims references to the length, breadth, thickness orcorresponding dimensions of the brace have reference, respectively, tothe dimensions of the longitudinal, sideto-side, and front-to-rear axesof the brace, said axes being taken as those of animaginary oblong whosetop and bottom faces lie in horizontal planes passing respectivelythrough the highest and lowest points of the brace (assuming it in placeon an erect torso, e. g. disposed as in Figs. 5, 3 and 4), whose sidefaces lie in parallel vertical planes passing through the rightmost andleftmost points of the brace, and whose front and rear faces lie inparallel vertical planes passing through the frontmost and rearmostpoints of the brace, all six of said faces being rectangular. Similarly,expressions such as upper, lower, vertical, horizontal, level, downward,upward, forward, rearward, etc. are intended as relative and to beinterpreted on the basis of the positions of the parts of the brace whenit is in place on an erect torso.

It will be apparent that minor changes in the physical embodiments ofthe invention and its novel aspects may be made within the scope of theappended claims without departing from the spirit of the invention.

I claim: i

l. A body brace comprising right and left torso side contacting rigidsupport portions, sternal and pubic rigid support portions, anon-stretching lumbar support portion having continuous flexibilityacross the region overlying the erector spinae group of lumbar muscles,framework rigid throughout interconnecting said rigid support portions,said brace also comprising means carried by said framework to sustainsaid lumbar support portion, said means bein loosenable to facilitateinstallation and tie-installation of the brace.

2. The brace of claim 1 in which said lumbar support portion comprises aflexible horizontal substantially nonstretchable band with meansallowing the adjustment of its effective length and a lumbar backcontacting pliant fabric whose vertical dimension is substantially inexcess of that of said band and which comprises a flexible sleeve forslip-fittingly receiving said band.

3. 1A 3-point hyperextension back brace comprising right and left torsosidecontacting rigid pads and sternal and pubicrigid pads, and aflexible lumbar pad, said rigid pads being rigidly interconnected byframework comprising means allowing the adjustment of solely thebreadthof the brace and means allowing the adjustment of solely the length ofthe brace, each of said means being optionally operable independently ofthe other.

4. The brace of claim 3 in which the horizontal dimensions of saidsternal and pubic rigid pads are each at least about the width of thebrace, and their top-to-bottom dimensions midway of said width are atleast about A, the length of the brace.

5. The brace of claim 4 in which the vertical dimension of each of saidtorso side contacting rigid pads is at least about A the length of thebrace, and the front-to-rear horizontal dimension of each of them,midway of said vertcal dimension, is at least about /5 the latter.

6. In the brace of claim 2, spiral-threaded means, for gradualyefiecting said adjustment of the efiect've length of said band.

7. The brace of claim 1 which comprises means for varying the distancebetween said sternal pad and said pubic pad while retaining unchangedthe fixed angle between the up. and down axes, respectively extended, ofsaid sternal and pubic pads; said means being comprised in and operableat the sides of said framework.

8. A body brace comprising right and left torso side contacting rigidsupport portions of enlarged front-to-rear dimension in the region oftheir mid-heights, sternal and pubic rigid support portions, a lumbarsupport portion, and resilient rigid framework supporting said portions,said brace also comprising means for varying the fixed breadth of thebrace, said means being comprised in and operable at the sternal andpubic portions of said framework.

' 9. A 3-point. suspension back brace comprisin a pair of rigid sideplates whose vertical dimensions are greater than their front-to-reardimensions, an upper anterior pad, a lower an terior pad, a lumbar band,upper anterior pad supporting bars plus means immovably but detachablyaffixing them to said side plates, lower anterior pad supporting barsplus means immovably but detachably aflixing them to said side plates,and lumbar band anchor portions plus means immovably but detachablyafiixing them to said side plates, each of said means being optionallyoperable, independently of the others, to vary the brace dimensions.

10. A 3-point hyperextension back brace comprising rigid sternal andrigid pubic support portions and a lumbar pad having continuousflexibility across the region overlying the erector spinae group oflumbar muscles, the overall sideto-side and top-to-bottom dimensions ofsaid pad being in excess of those of each of said sternal and pubicrigid support portions; said brace also having torso-contacting flexibleflaps affixed to its sides and extending posteriorly therefrom towardand approximately to the respectively adjacent ends of said lumbar pad,the maximum overall thickness of substantially the whole of each of saidrigid portions of the brace as well as that of substantially the wholeof said lumbar pad and said flaps being less than about inch, the weightof the brace being less than about 11 8% poun and rigid portions of thebrace being formed of aluminum alloy 243T or similar light weightresiliently rigid material.

11. A back brace comprising right and left torso side contacting rigidsupport portions. stemal and pubic rigid support portions, and nexiblelumbar cushioning, said cushioning being carried by at least a pair ofthin horizontal stainless steel bands respectively about V to 1% inch inwidth, each of said bands being anchored to the sides of the brace. eachof said bands being slip-nttingly sleeved through a flexible channel insaid cushioning. and each of said hands being provided with screw meansfor adjusting its eiiective length independently of that oi the other;said brace also comprising means for m Number 12 selectively adjustingthe iixed elevation of and vertical spacing between said bands.

- EUGENE L. JEWE'I'I.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

m Griswold, Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery."

pages 784-8, July 1938.

